Upstairs, Downstairs actress Pauline Collins has died, her family has confirmed.
The Oscar-nominated actress was said to have died “peacefully” in her care home in Highgate, north London, aged 85.
The TV star had lived with Parkinson’s disease for several years.
She starred in the first series of sitcom The Liver Birds but became a household name when she landed a regular role in Upstairs, Downstairs in 1971.
She married fellow actor John Alderton in 1969.
Her role in the 1989 film Shirley Valentine earned her an Oscar nomination.
Mrs Collins’ family said in a statement: “Pauline was so many things to so many people, playing a variety of roles in her life.
“A bright, sparky, witty presence on stage and screen. Her illustrious career saw her play politicians, mothers and queens.
“She will always be remembered as the iconic, strong-willed, vivacious and wise Shirley Valentine – a role that she made all her own.”
It added: “More than anything, though, she was our loving mum, our wonderful grandma and great-grandma.
“Warm, funny, generous, thoughtful, wise, she was always there for us. And she was John’s life-long love. A partner, work collaborator, and wife of 56 years.”
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